The Most Beautiful Botanic Gardens Around The World That Should Be On Your Bucket List

While many planned travel destinations include geological landmarks, historic cities or picturesque coastal villages, there are nearly a thousand botanic gardens in almost every country of the world that are worthy contenders for your travel bucket list.

From leisurely strolls on fern lined pathways, to themed displays of dazzling flowers, to collections of hundred-year-old trees — these are just a few of the beautiful botanic gardens that you should endeavour to see.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York City

You will not believe that you are still within city limits when you step into this spectacular 52-acre garden. The garden boasts many specialty gardens, a Bonsai museum, an aquatic plant house, an art gallery, and a three-climate plant pavilion that changes seasonally. The breathtaking surroundings make for a perfect wedding venue, date night, walk with kids, or vacation activity. It is no surprise that the romantic rose gardens, 14,000 plants, and 200 cherry trees attract almost one million visitors each year.

Monte Palace Tropical Garden, Portugal

This garden has a huge collection of internationally collected exotic plants and is one of the most beautiful collections of flora and fauna. The unique and magnificent garden features tile panels with the tiles originating from 15th century chapels, palaces and churches. In addition to the amazing plants, the garden is also home to chickens, ducks, peacocks, and both black and white swans.

Auckland Domain Wintergardens

Designed in the early 1900s and reflecting the English style of one of its designers, the Winter Garden is a true New Zealand treasure. Surrounded by a fernery, duck ponds, sensory gardens, and the hiking paths of the Auckland Domain, the garden is a worthy attraction for many tourists. The Victorian style glass houses are filled with an ever-changing display of rare and eye-catching plants; one features lush tropical varieties in a heated space while the other promotes seasonally-changing temperate plants.

The Butchart Gardens, British Columbia, Canada

This Victorian garden is considered one of the best in the world and welcomes over one million visitors each year. The magical island paradise is home to a display of themed floral gardens, calming and intricately designed water fountains, and interesting bronze statues. The surrounding pine trees and the crisp Canadian air make this a wonderful place to take a stroll through.

Denver Botanic Gardens, Colorado

This 23-acre park contains the largest cold temperate climate plant selection in North America. With three separate locations that are all considered a part of the Denver Botanic Gardens, there are two within the city and one along the hiking trail to Mount Evans. The diversity in the main one, however, is a true masterpiece and contains multiple themed gardens, an amphitheatre, and a conservatory. The Japanese garden is both captivating and serene, and it is imperative that it is seen in person.

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Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens, Tokyo

One of the oldest landmarks in Tokyo, the internationally known garden was constructed in 1629 and was heavily influenced by Chinese design. The garden contains serene ponds, stunning waterfalls, and over 21,000 trees. It is recommended that tourists visit Koishikawa in the autumn, when the leaves transform into vibrant shades of gold, red and orange. That said, visiting between mid-February through early April allows tourists to experience plum and cherry Whichever time of year that you choose to visit, be sure to include this garden in your travel plans.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town

Considered to be the best in Africa and one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world, Kirstenbosch affords visitors with the diverse flora of southern Africa along with the surrounding majestic presence of the eastern slopes of Table Mountain. Not only is there a custom-built glasshouse on site that houses many threatened and rare species, but this garden also offers a unique range of over 7,000 species and a nature reserve with a variety of birds and animals.

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden, Thailand

Spanning over 500 acres, this lush botanical garden is an ideal place to gaze upon tropical plants, fruits, and flowers. The beautifully landscaped grounds are designed to serve as both a botanical garden and a theme park, with cultural shows and a theatre. The many animals, butterflies, and beautiful flowers make this tourist attraction something truly special.

Jardim Botânico, Rio de Janeiro

Highlighting the immense and spectacular diversity of Brazilian flora, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden showcases over 6,500 species spread out over its 54 hectares. Wandering through the many greenhouses filled with a diverse array of tropical plants before gazing upon the garden’s archaeological and historical monuments is sure to leave any visitor satisfied.

Conclusion

When it comes to botanic gardens, there’s so much beauty to be seen from around the world. So, which one are you going to visit first?

Any facts, figures or references stated here are made by the author & don't reflect the endorsement of iU at all times unless otherwise drafted by official staff at iU. This article was first published here on 23rd May 2017.